A memorable experience for all who get to see the spectacular National Monument, climb aboard a boat and set sail to explore Ellis Island and Liberty Island. There is a rich history to be uncovered on Ellis Island and on Liberty Island you’ll visit the Statue of Liberty, the Fort Wood promenade, the Liberty Island Museum and the Liberty Island Grounds.
Ellis Island
Situated in Upper New York Bay, Ellis Island has long been considered part of New York. Known for its rich history, the island has been the site of Fort Gibson, a naval magazine and from 1892 until 1924, the nation’s busiest immigrant inspection station where millions of immigrants were processed. It was not until the mid 60s the island officially became a part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and soon after hosted the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
During your stop on Ellis Island visit the Great Hall. Once lined with immigrants waiting to enter the United States, the hall was renovated during the 1980s and reopened as the Ellis Island Immigration Museum in honor of the Nation’s immigrant heritage. Today, the museum chronicles Ellis Island’s role in immigration history including accounts from the immigrants themselves.
Liberty Island
A small, uninhabited island in the New York Harbor, Liberty Island is best known as the location of the Statue of Liberty. While it has been called Liberty Island since the start of the 20th century, its name did not become official until an act of congress officially renamed it in 1956.
Information Center
Start your tour in Liberty Island’s Information Center. Here you can pick up a brochure about the Statue of Liberty and watch the story of the Statue of Liberty unfold before your eyes during a captioned video.
The Monument’s Pedestal
Designed by renowned architect Richard Morris hunt, the Statue of Liberty’s stone pedestal was designed to complement the Statue of Liberty rather than overwhelm her. Constructed and paid for by the United States, the pedestal is around half the height of the entire monument. Visit the Statue of Liberty and delight in the panoramic views of Ellis Island, New York City, New Jersey and the New York Harbor.
Fort Wood Promenade
Once the terreplein, or gun platform of old Fort Wood, today Fort Wood Promenade provides a pleasant walk allowing you to carefully study the construction of the Statue of Liberty.
The Liberty Island Museum
See the difficulties and triumphs America and France overcame to build a symbol of liberty. The Liberty Island Museum chronicles the events leading up to the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty and also covers how the Statue of Liberty’s interpretation has changed since its dedication in 1886 through informational displays, models and scale replicas.
Audio Tour of Liberty Island
Once you’ve visited the monuments pedestal and Liberty Island Museum, take a descriptive audio-guided tour of Liberty Island’s grounds. Lasting between 30 and 45 minutes, the audio-guided tour will provide you with useful information about the Statue of Liberty as you make your way through the island’s beautiful grounds.
Food and Beverages
Concessions that sell healthy snacks and drinks can be found aboard the boat and on Liberty Island should you want to stop for a snack, or a light lunch during your Statue of Liberty Group Tour.